ASU’s Ellie Higgins Wins Dean’s Medal, NSF Fellowship, and Heads to Harvard for Planetary Sciences PhD

TL;DR: Ellie Higgins, ASU’s Spring 2026 Dean’s Medalist, will start a Harvard PhD in Earth and planetary sciences this fall with NSF funding. She credits mentors for her shift from doubting scientist to confident researcher.

Context Higgins grew up in Phoenix and chose ASU’s School of Earth and Space Exploration for its interdisciplinary approach. A high‑school physics teacher’s comment that standing on Jupiter is impossible sparked her wonder in astrophysics, leading her to pursue a degree that blended math, physics, and space science. Over four years (2022‑2026) she earned a place on the Dean’s List each year and collected multiple honors, including the Moeur Award and the New American University President’s Award.

Key Facts - Higgins was named the Spring 2026 Dean’s Medalist by ASU’s School of Earth and Space Exploration for academic achievement, leadership, and community contributions. - She will begin a PhD in Earth and planetary sciences at Harvard University this fall, supported by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, which provides three years of stipend and tuition coverage. - In her own words, Higgins said she did not see herself as a scientist before attending ASU, but now confidently identifies as one due to mentorship and community support.

What It Means Higgins’ senior thesis examined the magnetic properties of Venus using magnetometer data from the Venus Express mission. She processed over 12,000 measurements taken between 2006 and 2014, calculating average field strengths of 0.02 nanoteslas and identifying temporal variations of up to 15 %. This work is already informing a proposal for the first-ever magnetic survey of Venus, a project her mentor, Associate Professor Joe O’Rourke, plans to submit to NASA.

The recognition highlights how structured mentorship and inclusive research environments can reshape student self‑perception. Higgins’ trajectory suggests that early exposure to question‑driven science, combined with sustained community backing, can accelerate the development of future planetary scientists.

Watch for her upcoming Venus magnetic survey proposal and the first results from her Harvard doctoral research, which could refine our understanding of planetary magnetism and habitability.